Cutting Tile For Toilet Flange
When installing a new toilet, one of the important steps is preparing the floor for the flange. The flange is the piece of the plumbing system that connects the toilet to the drainpipe in the floor. Before installing the flange, you must cut the tile around the drain. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to cut tile for toilet flange.
Tools and materials needed
Before you start cutting tiles, you'll need to prepare the necessary tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Tile saw or angle grinder
- Diamond blade
- Safety glasses
- Dust mask
- Tile spacers
- Level
Removing old tile and debris
Before you can begin cutting new tiles, the old ones need to be removed. First, turn off the water supply to the toilet and disconnect the plumbing. Remove the screws that secure the toilet to the floor and lift it off.
Next, remove the old flange and any debris around the drain. Use a putty knife or scraper to remove any old tile adhesive, then clean the entire area with a rag and soapy water.
Measuring and marking the tiles
Once you've cleaned the area, measure the distance between the drain and the edge of the flange. Make a mark on the tiles at the same distance from the edge.
Use a level and pencil to draw straight lines on the tiles between the marks, making a square or rectangle around the drain. Place tile spacers between the tiles to ensure even gaps for grouting.
Cutting the tiles
Now it’s time to start cutting. Begin by putting on safety glasses and a dust mask to protect yourself from flying debris.
If you have a tile saw, set it to the appropriate depth and make the cuts slowly and carefully. If using an angle grinder, attach a diamond blade rated for cutting tiles. Make small cuts along the lines you marked, cutting from the edges inwards until you reach the square or rectangle around the drain.
Once the cuts are complete, use a chisel and hammer to remove the waste tiles. Be careful not to damage the remaining tiles.
Fitting the tiles
Before fitting the tiles, check that they fit snugly around the drain. Make any necessary adjustments with the tile saw or angle grinder.
Mix the tile adhesive as directed by the manufacturer and use a notched trowel to spread it on the floor, covering an area slightly larger than the first tile.
Place the tile into position and press it firmly into the adhesive. Use tile spacers to ensure even gaps between the tiles. Repeat this process until all the tiles are in place.
Grouting and finishing
After the adhesive has dried according to the manufacturer's instructions, remove the tile spacers and fill the gaps between the tiles with grout using a float.
Wipe away any excess grout with a damp sponge, being careful not to pull grout from between the tiles. Allow the grout to dry as per the manufacturer's instructions, then apply a sealant and let it dry before reattaching the hardware and reinstalling the toilet.
Congratulations
You have now successfully cut tiles for a toilet flange! With these simple steps, you can ensure that your new toilet is securely and safely installed on your tiled bathroom floor. Remember, safety should always be your first priority when working with tools and cutting materials.
